The eatery wanted to expand its 'ethical' offerings

According to the chain, the new menu which was developed by Executive Chef, Vittorio Lettieri, is responding to the increasing popularity of veganism, as well as growing demand for 'healthier options'.

Vegan dishes at Bella Italia now include pizza with plant-based cheese, as well as a range of pasta (which can be switched out for spiralized 'courgetti'), mushroom risotto, bruschetta, and a burger.

'Innovation'

James Spragg, Chief Operating Officer, Casual Dining Group, said: "Against a challenging market backdrop, we’ve had a very positive start to the year, as Italian food remains incredibly popular with UK diners.

"We operate in a fast-paced industry, and innovation is imperative for success so we need to continually build on this momentum. This latest menu innovation reflects the rise in popularity of healthier alternatives and ethical choices, but also demonstrates our commitment to always listen to our customers, and the market, and our willingness to adapt.

"Crucially, we'll always do this whilst staying true to our identity and brand DNA, which for us is creating genuine Italian dining experiences to enjoy with friends and family."

Maria is the Editor of Plant Based News. A former magazine editor, newspaper reporter, and features writer, her work has been published by The Guardian, The Huffington Post, and various regional newspapers, as well as Vegan Life magazine and Vegan Trade Journal. She has interviewed a huge range of people, from Prime Ministers to authors, activists, pop stars and actors, and enjoys the varied range of topics writing for PBN allows her to tackle. You can follow her on Twitter @MariaChiorando and Instagram @mariachiorando.

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